SIGMA APO MACRO 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM

£650/$1,100 It rules the roost for focal length, being the longest lens on test, but loses out on value for money

Physically only 24mm longer than the Sigma 105mm lens, this lens is nearly 50 per cent longer in terms of focal length. The minimum focusing distance is also longer, at 38cm compared with 31cm. The upshot is that you can maintain a more discreet distance when shooting shy bugs and other tiny creatures.

The Sigma 150mm comes with the same features and accessories as its 105mm sibling. However, despite being only a little larger, the 150mm lens is considerably heavier at 1,150g. As such, it also comes complete with a tripod mounting ring that not only enables a better balance, but maintains that balance in portrait orientation as well as landscape shooting.

Another difference between the two Sigma lenses is that the 150mm features three rather than two SLD elements, aimed at improving sharpness and contrast while reducing colour fringing. As such, it’s designated as one of Sigma’s APO (Apochromatic) lenses.

Performance

Levels of sharpness are very similar to those of the Sigma 105mm lens, but the 150mm retains better sharpness into the extreme edges and corners. Despite the extra SLD element, there’s practically nothing to choose between the two lenses in terms of contrast or colour fringing. Overall it’s a very good lens but, at around twice the price of the Sigma 105mm, it’s not such great value for money and you pay a hefty premium for the extra focal length.